I’m spending the next few days getting ready for 2011. After Christmas, you think there’s not much to do to get ready for the New Year, right? You’re home free. Buy some black-eyed peas and collard greens and relax, right?

Maybe, but if you think about it, this is our last chance to take a breather before the challenges of next year start, and it’s a good time to make preparations—mentally.

For instance, in January alone, I must finish the second round of edits of WINTER SOLSTICE, prepare for the next two PTO fund-raisers, celebrate my son’s seventh (!!!) birthday with him, and make my blog series A Rose is a Rose a success for my sake and the sake of my guests.

<<(By the way, be sure you check out the feature area to the left!)

Understand, I'm not complaining. I like being busy. I enjoy all these things. However, I find that if I prepare myself mentally, I will be less stressed.

So this week I'm going to take a lot of breathing moments to make up for the times next month I won't have the opportunity—or forget to take the opportunity. I'm going to enjoy my family and on Saturday I'm going to kick off 2011 by walking a 5K with my kids.

By the time I get around to Monday, I'll be ready for it.